M60A3 S.L.E.P. Tank

[ArtyScout]

I saw a video by the Raytheon Corporation in which they instituted the S.L.E.P. Program, the Service Life Extension Program in which the M60A3 was upgraded with a stronger powerplant, uparmed from the 105mm main gun to the 120mm smoothbore gun like the Abrams, along with a new targeting system, electrical turret controls, and upgrades to armour. So that is my next project in which I'm going to try my best to scratch build this awesome looking tank. I will keep a running WIP tally. Attached are some photos. Wish me luck.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[ArtyScout]

BTW, I'm using the Italeri M60A3 as the base for my project.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[Proud Kraut]

Hi Manny, great to see that you have started another modeling project. I´m looking forward to following the progress.

 

Lars

[Joe55]

That's a far out looking 60 there Manny!  I'm gonna enjoy watching your progress on this one. 😁

 

Joe

[ArtyScout]

On 8/23/2025 at 6:43 PM, Joe55 said:

That's a far out looking 60 there Manny!  I'm gonna enjoy watching your progress on this one. 😁

 

Joe

Hello everyone. Hey Joe, I hope to do a decent job on this project. I've started on the tank and so far, everything is going straight forward. The side skirts will hide a lot of the running gear and suspension on this vehicle, as intended, and I'll get to that soon. The lower hull is done, it's ready for priming and coloring. As you can see that I've added the extra armor on the front of the lower hull. I know that most of the upgrades will be on the upper hull and turret. So, enjoy the pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Joe55]

Nice progress Manny!

I don't know if this matters to you, but from what I can tell is that the S.L.E.P. tank had steel road wheels.  The one's you are using are aluminum.  You can tell by all the gussets in each.  I've been working on a couple of Takom M60's and they come with both styles.  Since I'm not using the steel ones on my build you are welcome to them. I checked the opening on the back of the wheel and it measures 0.092. Shoot me a PM if you'd like them.

On the left aluminum and on the right, steel.

 

[ArtyScout]

23 hours ago, Joe55 said:

Nice progress Manny!

I don't know if this matters to you, but from what I can tell is that the S.L.E.P. tank had steel road wheels.  The one's you are using are aluminum.  You can tell by all the gussets in each.  I've been working on a couple of Takom M60's and they come with both styles.  Since I'm not using the steel ones on my build you are welcome to them. I checked the opening on the back of the wheel and it measures 0.092. Shoot me a PM if you'd like them.

On the left aluminum and on the right, steel.

 

Hi Joe. Thanks for catching that faux pas of mine. I should've figured that Raytheon would use the steel wheels instead of the aluminum ones with the added armour and more powerful powerplant. I failed to notice that both the Italeri and the Tamiya M60A3's came with aluminum wheels. Fortunately for me, I also have the steel road wheels for my tank. I also have the heavier steel wheels for the M1A1-HA Abrams. I want to thank you for your offer, but I'll be OK. Here is a pic of the two steel road wheels. 

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[ArtyScout]

Well the road wheels have been replaced and ready for priming. Except for a couple add-ons and tweaks the front end of the upper hull is coming along. 

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[ArtyScout]

Some more WIP pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Proud Kraut]

Nice progress, Manny. Keep up your great work!

 

Lars

[ArtyScout]

Hello everyone. Thanks Lars, for your comment. Always appreciated. I've been a little busy with my project. I scratch built what seems like refrigeration units on the rear fenders of the hull, also scratch built the round housing next to the driver's left. These parts, along with the road wheels and lower hull have been primed and the wheels and lower hull have been air brushed. I'm going with Dark Yellow and Desert Yellow as the colors for my tank. Enjoy the WIP pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Joe55]

You're really moving along Manny.  Looking good!

 

Joe

[ArtyScout]

Well, unfortunately for me, my refrigeration units were too high so I'm in the process of making smaller ones. I did finally put the road wheels on and painted the tracks and will add those soon. Also, I've started the side armor skirts.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[ArtyScout]

Hey all. Well I redid my "refrigeration" units and I've started work on the side armor skirts and the tracks will be going on soon.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Brian Dentino]

Shaping up very nicely, Manny.  Love to watch you guys and your WIP threads on your builds.  Some incredible artists on here for sure!

[ArtyScout]

Hey all. I was able to put on the tracks and put on the base color on the upper hull. Now to tweak some things and I'll head to the turret. That's going to be some fun. Enjoy the pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[mikie]

Hi Manny,

Sorry but I missed seeing this project earlier. 
As always you are doing a great job so far. I always enjoy and am fascinated by your WIP posts. 
mikie

[Proud Kraut]

The chassis comes to life, great work, Manny!

[ArtyScout]

I got some work done on the refrigeration units and the upper hull. I still have one thing to do then put it together and add the side armor. 

 

Semper Fi

 

Manny

 

[ArtyScout]

Hey all. I feel like the hull is finished. The side armor skirts were scratch built. There is a possibility of tweaking like a little weathering. lol. Enjoy the pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Joe55]

Nice work Manny!  Looking forward to your continued progress. 👍

 

Joe

[Proud Kraut]

Manny, the hull looks awesome, great work so far!

 

Lars

[ArtyScout]

The hull has been metalized and weathered and the panel lines and bolts are colored in.

Now its on to the turret. I feel like that's where the real test is going to be. Enjoy.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

 

[Joe55]

Your skills are paying off Manny.  The hull is looking sharp!

 

Joe

[Proud Kraut]

As usual a very realistic painting and weathering, great work, Manny!